HRC Back Story

Speaking of Minnesota, OutFront Minnesota drew more than 1,000 GLBT supporters to St. Paul on Thursday for its "Just Fair" lobby day at the state capitol. At what's being called the biggest rally at the state capitol so far this year, more than a dozen state elected officials and "for the BIBLE tells me so" producer Dan Karslake turned out to speak in support of GLBT equal rights.

OutFront delivered a petition to Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty asking him to pass the domestic partner bill that was passed by the state senate in March but stills awaits a vote in the house.

Local NBC affiliate KARE-11 has video footage of the "Just Fair" rally here.

**UPDATE from Jo Marsicano, OutFront Minnesota communications director:

The day was a reminder that GLBT equality is part of a larger progressive agenda. “We want health care that provides for everybody, not just a select few. We know that whether the economy is good or not, it’ll affect all of us, and we want public policy decisions that will help people get jobs, keep jobs, and be paid a living wage. We know that racism is not dead. Racism is alive and well in this state. We know that sexism is alive and well in this state and homophobia is too. And we know that all of those things are related to each other,” said former OutFront Minnesota Executive Director Ann DeGroot.

OutFront Minnesota delivered petitions with 800 signatures to Governor Pawlenty, asking him to allow the local government bill to become law. The petition said “Dear Governor Pawlenty, you have a great opportunity to support basic fairness in our state. By allowing SF 960 to become law, you will enable local governments to decide the health care benefits packages they provide their employees.  It’s a matter of local control, addresses the lack of affordable quality health care in our state, and shows that Minnesota is a welcome place for all workers. We the undersigned urge you join the League of Minnesota Cities, the Association of Small Cities and other local government bodies in supporting this legislation.”

** UPDATE #2: OutFront Minnesota has posted pictures and video of speeches given at the "Just Fair" lobby day here.

State Senator Scott Dibble and State Representative Karen Clark at the podium during OutFront Minnesota's "Just Fair" lobby day